We made this wooden Advent calendar for our kids. This time my crafty partner was my husband, whom cut all the pieces for me. You probably could make it out of heavy cardboard if you don't have a way to cut the wood.
I would have chosen something nicer and smoother for painting if I was purchasing something new for this project. We used a piece of 3/8 inch plywood left over from another project.
Download template and trace onto your wood (you only need one star)
Christmas Tree Advent Calendar Template
Cut out your trees. You will cut a slot to the midpoint on each tree----one at the top and one at the bottom. The slot needs to be the same width as the width of your wood.
This is so the tree fits together like this
Sand, prime and paint your tree and star. I left mine plain green but you might decide to give yours ornaments. Drill a small hole in the top of the star. Notice the notch out of the top of our star-----it doesn't work so well to try to put your hole there. Instead, drilling a hole in the side gave us a nice way to thread fishing line through for hanging.
Use a thin screw with threads on each end to attach the star to the tree.
We sat down as a family and made a LONG list of things we would enjoy doing in December. I then printed the list and cut them into strips of paper and placed each idea into an empty match box. Here is a tip; make sure you get "strike anywhere matches" so you won't miss your boxes. We wrapped all the boxes. My P-Touch labeler worked perfectly to put the numbers on each box. Then using about 3 yards of curling ribbon for every 5 boxes we tied on the boxes. Don't forget to start with the first box to be opened and then add on.
Then again using the skill of my handy (adult) craft partner, he stapled the ribbons to the bottom of the tree.
Ta Da you have a handmade Advent calendar full of ways to spend time with your family!
Thanks for stopping by today!
how cute! I made up a list of Advent activity ideas for families with more than one or two kids, but actually it would work for families with just one kid as well… you can read it here:
http://birdsofpaper.blogspot.com/2008/11/advent-calendar-ideas-for-tons-of-kids.html
(isn’t it so nice to have a hubby that will help with our projects?!)
You’re just full of fun and creative ideas. Wish I had the time and space to do all of them.
Great Idea! Thanks for Sharing!
lovely indeed!
Wow … I love this. What a really fun idea! I’m planning on making ornaments out of “slices” of a birch branch. I hope I have as much luck as you!
This is such a wonderful advent calendar. I love it. I might not be able to make the tree but would love to put some nice notes in the matchboxes.
this is a cute idea!
What a great idea!! My husband has been itching to use his jigsaw!!!
I love this!
This is such a different idea; I loved the stocking calendar, also.
How fun!!! I made my advent calender last year too!
It’s made with small craft boxes painted red & green and I painted the numbers on the front.
simple n easy to understand..good job!! Blessed Christmas
I’m saving this idea to use for next year – I LOVE it!
[...] Wooden Christmas Tree Advent Calendar [...]
So cute!!
This advent calendar is nice, but I think the birdy one is the WINNER! Inspirational.
I have just been given a blank ‘letter tray’-house, and am wondering what on earth to do with it. An advent calendar came to mind, and I think I’ll end up doing something in between your #1 and #2 version calendars.
Thanks for posting…